Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay,

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Securing Andaman and Nicobar Islands

India’s forward presence in the eastern is enabled by the Andamanand Nicobar Islands. The island chain is therefore of immense strategic significance andits security is of ’s vital interest.The geographical configuration and the location of the island chain in the safeguards India’s eastern seaboard as well the approaches to the Indian Ocean from the east. Its proximity to the Southeast Asian region enables India to forge friendly relations with its Association of South East Asian Nations neighbours. The physical isolation and remoteness of the archipelago, however, make it vulnerable to conventional and non- conventional threats. At present, any possibility of a conventional threat to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands appears remote given India’s friendly ties with its Southeast and East Asian neighbours. Nevertheless, military intervention in the Indian Ocean by extra-regional powers remains a potential cause of concern. Meanwhile, non-conventional threats such as poaching of marine and forest resources, illegal migration, arms smuggling and natural disasters have been posing serious challenges to the internal security of the island chain. Steps to address these problems have been undertaken by the government, but the issues of remoteness, inadequate infrastructure, poor coordination among security agencies and pervasive underdevelopment create hurdles. Boosting the coastal security is therefore, important for securing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Establishing Marine Police Operational Centre (hereafter MPOC) would augment the efforts of state marine police to boost the coastal security. Accordingly, MHA has sanctioned 10 MPOC under the coastal security scheme Phase – II for the UT of A&N Islands for strengthening the infrastructure and ensuring effective coastal security in the territorial waters. The coastal security at Hut Bay has to be improved systematically, appreciating its strategic location and importance. Hence, it is proposed to establish MPOC at Hut Bay, Little Andaman.

Little Andaman

Little Andamanis the southernmost island of the . It is separated by the Duncan Passage from the Andaman Island Group in the North and by the from the Nicobar Island Group in the South. Situated approximately 120 km away from

1 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Port Blair, Little Andaman one of the three tehshils of South Andaman with 5 Gram Panchayats and 1 Panchayat Samiti.The geographical area of Little Andaman is 48 km long and 27 km wide and its land area is about 731.60 km2, of which the revenue area is 34.34 km2.It lies at the southern end of the Andaman archipelago. According to the Census 2011, Little Andaman has a population of 18823, comprising of 9964 Males and 8859 Females. The sex ratio (number of females/1000 males) is 889. Two aboriginal tribes, the and Nicobarese are known to inhabit the Little Andaman Island. Hut Bay is the largest village in Little Andaman, with a total 2081 families. It has a population of 7075 comprising of 3757 Males and 3318 Females.

2. RATIONALE

India’s coasts have always been vulnerable to anti-national activities.The physical proximity of India’s coasts to , Bangladesh, Pakistan and Gulf countries adds to its vulnerability. India has been facing cross-border terrorism for decades. However, over the years, with the increased deployment of security forces and surveillance equipment as well as the construction of fences, security along the land borders has been sufficiently tightened. On the other hand, security over the ocean domain with the sea routes remaining poorly guarded.A three tier coastal security ring all along our coast is provided by Marine Police, Indian CoastGuard and Indian Navy. The Government has initiated several measures to strengthen Coastal Security, which include improving surveillance mechanism and enhanced patrolling by following an integrated approach. Joint operational exercises are conducted on regular basis among Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs and others for security of the island territories.

In view of these, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (PMF) on behalf of the Superintendent of Police has approached Zoological Survey of India, by vide letter(199/PMF/HB/2017-18/156 dated 1st Feb 2018)to undertake REIA studies for the construction of MPOC at Hut Bay. Based on the submitted REIA proposal, Deputy Superindentent of Police (PMF) has accorded the administrative approval by vide letter 199/PMF/PHASE-II/HB/2017-18/858 dated 18th July 2018to conduct the REIA studies.

2 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objectives of thepresent study are:

o To determine the ecological and environmental feasibility of the proposed area for Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman o To assess the faunal composition of the proposed project area o To predict the impactsof the construction on the faunal components in the proposed project area

4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

o The study will provide baseline information of the faunal components of the proposed project area.

o Data obtained from the present study will be useful to assess the impacts of the proposed Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

o The proposed survey will be a useful tool in devising effective and adaption-centric conservation and management of faunal communities in Hut Bay,Little Andaman.

5. STUDY AREA

Project Site

The proposed site encompasses an area of 0.50 ha situated at Hut Bay, Little Andaman Tehsil. The Google Earth imagery (4800 × 2295) is given in Figure 1.

3 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Figure 1. Google Earth Imagery of Hut Bay. Encircled area denotes the proposed project site

6. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

Project overview

Strengthening of the coastal security apparatus in the country is a continuous process. A three-tier coastal security ring all along the coast is provided by Marine Police, Indian CoastGuard and Indian Navy. The Government has initiated several measures to strengthen Coastal Security, which include improving surveillance mechanism and enhanced patrolling by following an integrated approach. Joint operational exercises are conducted on regular basis among Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs and others for security of coastal areas including island territories.

MHA has sanctioned 10 MPOC under the coastal security scheme Phase – II for the UT of A&N Islands for strengthening the infrastructure and ensuring effective coastal security in the territorial waters. The coastal security at Hut Bay has to be improved systematically, appreciating its strategic location and importance. Hence, it is proposed to establish MPOC at Hut Bay, Little Andaman.

Proposed facilities

The proposed construction of MPOC at Hut Bay is envisaged to augment the infrastructure for the Police Marine Force.

4 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Necessity of the Project

Security at Hut Bay has to be improved systematically, appreciating its strategic location and importance. Despite several initiatives of the Government, intricate issues associated with remoteness, inadequate infrastructure and pervasive underdevelopment create hurdles in enhancing security. Establishing MPOC would help enhance security at Hut Bay.

Types of the materials to be used

Details of the materials required for the construction of MPOC at Hut Bayare summarized in Table 1.It is highly recommended that only the approved qualitybe used for the construction. Table 1. Required materials for the construction of MPOC, Hut Bay Sl. No. Materials 1 Stone Aggregate of sizes 2 Coarse sand (zone III), Pulverised Sand 3 Portland Cement 4 Twisted steel/ deformed bars 5 Paving Asphalt VG 10 of approved quality 6 Paving Asphalt of grade VG-30 of approved quality 7 Coal (steam) 8 Fine stand(Zone IV) 9 Diesel oil 10 Boulder 50-225

7. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ON LIKELIHOOD IMPACTS

Evaluation of environmental characteristics of the project location

The preliminary evaluation of the environmental characteristic within 10km radius of the proposed project site is summarized as under in Table 2.

5 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Table 2. Evaluation of the environmental characteristics in the proposed project site as per MoEF & CC criteria

Environmental characters within 10 Evaluation Sl. No. Remarks km radius of the project site Criteria 1. Is there a national park, sanctuary, NO No Protected Area is located in biosphere reserve or reserved forest in the proposed project area. the area? 2. Are any coral reefs in the area? NO No coral reefs are present in the proposed project area. 3. Are there mangroves/seagrass beds in NO No Mangroves/Seagrass beds are the area? present in the proposed area. 4. Are there significant areas of NO No breeding/spawning activities breeding/spawning grounds in the of wild found during the vicinity? survey. 5. Does the area form a part of migratory NO No migratory birds could be route or nesting grounds for aquatic and noticed in the project area during avifauna? the surveys. 6. Are there endangered species in the NO No endangered species could be area? found in the proposed project site during the surveys. 7. Does the area have religious, historic NO No areas of religious, historic places, archaeological monument sites and archeological importance etc. exist in the proposed area. 8. Does the project require land NO The land has been recorded in acquisition and resettlement? favour of Superindentent of Police. 9. Is there any defence installation in the NO No defence installations in the area? area. 10. Are there rivers/ streams/ seas/estuary? YES is about 200 m from the proposed project site. 11. Does the project satisfy CRZ criteria YES The proposed project is

6 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

approximately 200 m away from the CRZ 12. Is there a lake, reservoir or dam? NO 13. Is the project site situated in a YES The project site falls under the seismically active zone? seismic zone category–V according to IS: 1893-1998.

Other significant environmental factors

Other significant environmental factors are summarized as under in Table 3. Table 2. Other significant environmental factors Sl. Description Remarks No. 1. Wetlands : Nil 2. Lagoons : Nil 3. Fisheries : Nil 4. Agriculture Crops/ : Nil Commercial Crops/Plantation 5. Natural vegetation/Forest type : The area is covered by bushes. 6. Grasslands : Nil 7. Endangered species of flora and fauna : Not observed from the proposed area. However, list of flora and fauna occuring in the adjoining areas is provided. 8. Endemic species of flora and fauna : Not observed from the proposed area. However, list of flora and fauna occuring in the adjoining areas is provided. 9. Habitat for migratory birds : Nil

10. National Park / Wildlife Sanctuary : Nil 11. Tiger/Elephant Reserve : Nil 12. Core zone of the Biosphere Reserve : Nil

7 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Socio-economic status

The socio-economic status of the proposed project site and its adjoining areas has been evaluated and provided below (Table 4).

Table 4. Assessment of socio-economic status in the project site

Aerial distance from the periphery of project site Sl. No. Parameter Up to 0.5 km Up to 5.0 km Surroundingvillages 1. Population - 4093 Hut Bay Netaji Nagar

2. No. of Houses - 415 800 3. Occupation Agriculture Agriculture, Government Service, Business, Fishing and Small-scale household industries.

Assessment of the project environment

The environment of the proposed area has been assessed based on the preliminary surveys conducted in the project site and its adjoining areas and the details are given in Table5.

Table 5. Assessment of the environment in the proposed project site Sl. No. Parameters Remarks 1. Air pollutant sources Presently no source of air-pollution is noticed.

2. Air quality Good. The proposed area is totally devoid of industries. 3. Receptors of impact (if any) Low negative impacts 4. Water bodies and sources of water No water body available. supply 5. General water quality No water body available. 6. Wastewater/effluent discharge sources, The proponent must follow the guidelines disposal methods/location of disposal delinated by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for wastewater discharge 7. General aesthetics Good

8 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

8. Land use at the proposed project site Bushy area 9. Landscape and terrain The proposed project site is flat. 10. Critical habitats No critical habitat could be found. 11. Noise sources No source of noise in the project site

Likelihood impacts

The likelihood impacts of the proposed project are elucidated by assessing various factors based on the project activities in construction phase and operational phase (Tables 6&7).

Table 6. Overview of likelihood impact due to the proposed project

Environmental Parameters Activities Air Noise Land Water Sediment Ecology Socio-economy

Construction Phase       

Operational Phase 

LIKELIHOOD IMPACT BENEFICIAL

As per the preliminary evaluation of the project activities, it is inferred that there will be construction phase and operational phase for the said project. The construction phase would involveoperation of vehicles, transport of construction materials, excavators and laying tarmac.It is envisaged that MPOC at Hut Bay enhances security in Little Andaman and its adjoining areas.

9 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Table 7. Preliminary evaluation of impact characteristics

Nature and Level of Activity Parameter Component Cause duration of Significance Impact CONSTRUCTION PHASE Deforestation, Air SPM, SOx, Emission Short-term, Material may be transportation of NOx caused by Negative and properly covered in construction vehicles, Reversible on order to prevent material construction completion of dust generation equipments, air the project while transportation pollution while and water may be transporting sprayed for the sand, cement, suppression of dust. coarse gravel in (Low level trucks significance) Noise Noise Level Generated Short-term, It may disturb the through the Negative, birds, as they are vehicles, and Reversible sensitive for noise operation of pollution. equipments (Organisms can re- locate to other places) Land Land use and It is a bare land Ecology forest cover with patchy bushes Hydrodyna Flow pattern Construction of Long-term Regulates the water mics drainage canal positive flow and prevent impact the landslide. OPERATION PHASE On successful Air completion of the augmentation of infrastructure and provision of OTM Noise

Socio- Emhanced May affect the Long-term, Positive impact for economics security and biota in the area Irreversible the local residents survelliance in Little Andaman

Ecology Construction May affect the Long-term, Impact will be in the forest biota in the area Irreversible negligible area

10 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Evaluation of alternatives

Based on the reconnaissance surveys and the project requirement evaluation, it is envisaged that there is a limited negative impact of the proposed project during operational phase. However, no alternatives could be achieved in view of the following reasons:

1. The proposed project is aimed at establishing MPOC at Hut Bay appreciating its strategic location and importance. 2. Establishing MPOC is indispensable for strengthening the coastal security.

Outcome of the project

1. Enhanced maritime security in the Little Andaman Island 2. Direct and indirect employment opportunites for the local residents

8. BASELINE STUDY

An 11-member scientific team had carried out the REIAstudies during 10-20 October 2018at Hut Bay. In addition, data collected from previous surveys by the scientific staff of Zoological Survey of India in this region have also been utilized.

Material and Methods

Floral diversity

Tree species composition and diversity were assessed by laying 20 × 20 m quadrats at different locations. The locations for laying quadrats were selected based on representativeness and importance. The floral communities were identified using standard monographs/literature.

Faunal diversity: Marine fauna

Belt transect method was adopted for . Macroinvertebrates including large mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans and cryptic fishes were censused along the same transect line set for surveys.

Faunal diversity: Terrestrial fauna

Light trap sampling: An electric power generator was operated in different habitats during night hours for moths. The collected have been sorted out to species and the number of

11 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman individuals for each species was recorded on data sheets for estimating the diversity.As spot identification was made in most of the cases, code numbers were assigned to the all the collected species, which were later, labeled after establishing their correct identity.

Hand net sampling: Direct catching of insects using hand net is often required for collecting butterflies, bees and wasps during the day (Sunrise to 11 am).

Reptiles and Amphibians: Random surveys were conducted to document amphibian and reptile species.The streams and marshy areas were surveyed for amphibians.Hand picking and pitfall traps were employed for the collection of specimens.Dip nets was used for capturing amphibians of the lentic systems.Amphibians and reptiles were identified in the field itself as far as possible.The specimens were photographed for confirmation of identification and voucher specimens were collected and preserved in 10% formaldehyde.The specimens were identified using the field guides (Boulenger, 1890; Smith, 1933, 1935, 1943; Daniel 1963; Tikader et al.,1986).

Avifauna: Avifaunal species composition was estimated by employing Line Transect Method (Burnham et al., 1980).Birds were identified based on physical features with the help of field guides (Ali and Ripley, 1983; Grimmett et al., 1998).

Mammals: The Block Count and Point Count methods (direct and indirect) were used for census of the mammals (Burnham et al., 1980).The indirect evidences like pugmarks, pellets, dung and footprints also recorded following Rodgers (1991).The study area was surveyed on foot randomly for direct sightings. Whenever a mammal is sighted, details in respect of size, sex, group size, activity, time of sighting and the vegetation type were recorded.As an alternative to the block count method, a 10 m × 10 m quadrat was laid and indirect evidences of mammals such as scats, droppings, diggings, feeding signs and scratching marks were identified.In doubtful cases, scats, hair and other materials have been taken to the laboratory and compared with the known samples for identification (Rodgers, 1991).

9. RESULTS

Floral diversiy studies

During the survey, a total of 75 species were observed within the proposed site, most of them are common in nature.Totally 25 common trees, 10 seedlings, no pole crops (less than 30

12 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman cm girth), mostly herbs and climbers were observed within the proposed site. Proposed infrastructure development is not going to affect any of the trees.No endemic and commercially significant trees were observed within the proposed.Medicinal plants observed within the proposed site are Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob.,Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze, Cyanthilliumcinereum (L.) H. Rob., Sida rhombifoliaLinn.,Sida acuta Burm. f., Cardiospermum halicacabumLinn.,Lantana camara Linn., Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br ex DC.,Acmella paniculata (Wall. ex DC.) R. K. Jansen, triflorum (L.) DC., Euphorbia hirtaLinn.,Psidium guajava Linn., Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth, Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene, Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq., Urena lobata Linn., Urena sinuate Linn., Smithia sensitiva Aiton, Xanthium strumarium Linn., Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn., Senna tora (L.) Roxb.,Hyptis capitata Jacq., Eclipta prostrata Linn., Acalypha indica Linn., Achyranthes aspera Linn., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr.,Breynia vitis-idaea (Burm. f.) C. E. C. Fisch., Premna serratifoliaLinn.,Phyllanthus amarus Schum. &Thonn.,Phaulopsis imbricata (Forssk.) Sweet, (L.) DC., pudicaLinn.,Azadirachta indica A. Juss., and Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa.No true mangrove species were observed towards the coastal vicinity near the proposed site. Two mangrove-associated species were observed such as Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb., and Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn.

Plant species Habit Species Count (Nos/%) Status

Ludwigia prostrata Roxb. Herb 2 % Common Ammannia baccifera Linn. Herb 1 % Common Desmodium heterophyllum (Willd.) DC. Herb 0.5 % Common Dentella repens (L.) J. R. Forst. & G. Forst. Herb 0.5 % Common Lindernia crustacea (L.) F. Muell. Herb 0.4 % Common Physalis minima Linn. Herb 3 Nos. Common Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link Herb 0.5 % Common Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. Herb 5 % Common Mikania cordata(Burm.f.) B.L.Rob. Climber 2 % Common Cyperus esculentus Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. Herb 5 % Common remota Lam. Herb 0.5 % Common Croton bonplandianus Baill. Herb 1 % Common Phyllanthus urinaria Linn. Herb 0.3 % Common

13 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Plant species Habit Species Count (Nos/%) Status

Oldenlandia corymbosa Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Murdannia spirata (L.) Bruckner Herb 0.3 % Common Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin. Herb 3 % Common Corchorus aestuans Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Hygrophila ringens (L.) R. Br. ex Steud. Herb 1 % Common Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. Herb 0.3 % Least concern Hydrilla verticillata(L.f.) Royle Aquatic herb 0.5 % Least concern Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. Herb 1 % Common Senna hirsuta (L.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby Under- shrub 5 Nos. Common Sporobolus indicus (L.) R.Br. Herb 1 % Common Polytrias indica(Houtt.) Veldkamp Herb 0.5 % Common Paspalum distichum Linn. Herb 1 % Common Kyllinga nemoralis (Forst.) Dan. ex Hut. & Dal. Herb 0.3 % Common Kyllinga brevifolia Rottb. Herb 0.5 % Very common Eleusine indica(L.) Gaertn. Herb 1 % Least concern Cyperus esculentus Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Cyperus rotundus Linn. Herb 0.3 % Common Cyperus difformis Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Chloris barbata Swartz Herb 1 % Common Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. Herb 1 % Common Eragrostis tenella(Linn.) P Beauv. Herb 0.5 % Common Oplismenus compositus (L.) P.Beauv. Herb 1 % Common Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. Climber 2 % Common Cucumis melo Linn. Climber 1 % Common Casuarina equisetifolia Linn. Tree 1 No. Common Lindernia microcalyx Pennell & Stehle Herb 0.5 % Common Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. Herb 10 % Common Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze Herb 40 % Common Cyanthilliumcinereum (L.) H. Rob. Herb 2 % Common Sida rhombifolia Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Sida acuta Burm. f. Herb 1 % Common Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. Climber 1 % Common Lantana camara Linn. Shrub 2 % Common Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br ex DC. Herb 0.5 % Common

14 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Plant species Habit Species Count (Nos/%) Status

Acmella paniculata (Wall. ex DC.) R. K. Jansen Herb 1 % Common Desmodium triflorum(L.) DC. Herb 3 % Common Euphorbia hirta Linn. Herb 1 % Common Psidium guajava Linn. Seedling 10 Nos. Common Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth Herb 0.4 % Common Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Herb 0.5 % Common Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. Herb 10 Nos. Common Urena lobata Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Urena sinuate Linn. Herb 1 % Common Smithia sensitiva Aiton Herb 0.4 % Common Xanthium strumarium Linn. Herb 4 % Common Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. Herb 23 Nos. Common Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Herb 1 % Common Hyptis capitata Jacq. Herb 0.5 % Common Eclipta prostrata Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Acalypha indica Linn. Herb 1 % Common Achyranthes aspera Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Senna occidentalis (L.) Link Herb 15 Nos. Common Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. Shrub 2 Nos. Common Breynia vitis-idaea (Burm. f.) C. E. C. Fisch. Shrub 3 Nos. Common Premna serratifolia Linn. Small plant 2 Nos. Common Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. Herb 0.6 % Common Phaulopsis imbricata (Forssk.) Sweet Herb 0.2 % Common Alysicarpus vaginalis(L.) DC. Herb 0.3 % Common Mimosa pudica Linn. Herb 0.5 % Common Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Tree 22 Nos. Common Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa Tree 2 Nos. Common

15 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Terrestrial Faunal Studies

Insecta

A total of 4 species of insects (2 odoanata and 2 ) have been recorded from the proposed project site.

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758 Order Odonata Family Libellulidae Rambur, 1842 Genus Crocothemis Brauer, 1868 1. Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773) Genus Lathrecista Kirby, 1889 2. Lathrecista asiatica (Fabricius, 1798) Order Lepidoptera Family PIERIDAE Swainson, 1820 Genus Eurema Hubner,1819 3. Eurema hecabe Linnaeus, 1758 Family Leach, 1815 4. otis (Fabricius, 1787)

Amphibians

A total of 10 species of amphibians belonging to 3 families were recorded from the proposed site and its adjoining area.

Class Amphibians Order Anura Family Dicroglossidae 1. Fejervarya andamanensis (Stoliczka, 1870) 2. Fejervarya cancrivora (Gravenhorst, 1829) 3. Fejervarya limnochars (Gravenhorst, 1829)

16 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

4. Limnonecteshas cheanus (Stoliczka, 1870) 5. Ingerana charlesdarwini (Das, 1998) 6. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1802) Family Microhylidae 7. Microhyla chakrapanii (Pillai, 1977) 8. Kaloula ghoshi Cherchi, 1954 Family Bufonidae 9. Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) 10. Blythophryne beryet (Chandramouli et al. 2016)

Reptiles

A total of 17 species of reptiles distributed among 9 families were recorded from the proposed site and its adjoining area.

Class Reptilia Order Squamata Family Gekkonidae 1. Gekko verreauxi (Tytler, 1864) 2. HemidactylufrenatusDumeril and Bibron, 1836 3. Cyrtodactylus rubidus (Blyth, 1860) 4. Phelsuma andamanense Blyth, 1860 Family Agamidae 5. Coryphophylasubcristatu(Blyth, 1860) 6. Calotes versicolor (Daudin, 1802) 7. Coryphophylax brevicaudus Harikrishnan et al. 2012 Family Scincidae 8. Eutropis andamanensis Smith, 1935 9. Eutropis tytleri (Theobald, 1868) 10. Sphenomorphus maculates Blyth, 1853 Family Varanidae 11. Varanus salvator andamanensis Deraniyagala, 1944

17 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Family Natricinae 12. Xenochrophis tytleri (Blyth, 1863) Family Colubridae 13. Dendrelaphis andamanensis (Anderson, 1871) 14. Lycodon hypsirhinoides (Theobald, 1868) Family Homalopsidae 15. Cerberus rynchops (Schneider, 1799) Family Elapidae 16. Bungarus andamanensis Biswas and Sanyal, 1978 Family Viperidae 17. Trimeresurus andersoni (Theobald, 1868)

Avifauna

A total of 62 species of birds have been recorded from the proposed site and its adjoining area of which, 18were migratory species.

Avifauna Residential Status Abundance

Pelecaniformes Pelecanidae Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus, 1766) R/LM C Egretta sacra (Gmelin, 1766) R C Egretta alba (Linnaeus,1758) R/LM C Ixobrychus sinensis (Gmelin,1789) WM C Ixobrychus cinnamomeus (Gmelin,1789) R C Butoridesstriatus spodiogaster Sharpe, 1894 R FC Gruiformes Rallidae Amaurornis phoenicurus insularis Sharpe, 1894 R FC Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus,1758) R FC

18 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Gallirallus striatus obscurior (Hume, 1874) R U Falconiformes Accipitridae Spilornis elgini (Blyth, 1863) R U Spilornis cheeladavisoni Hume, 1873 R U Nisaetus limnaeetus andamanensis Tytler, 1865 R U Haliaeetus leucogaster (Gmelin,1788) R FC Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Pluvialis fulva (Gmelin,1789) WM C Charadrius mongolus Pallas,1776 WM A Charadrius leschenaultii Lesson,1826 WM C Scolopacidae Actitis hypoleucos Linnaeus,1758 WM FC Tringa totanus (Linnaeus,1758) WM C Numenius phaeopus (Linnaeus,1758) WM C Xenus cinereus (Guldenstadt,1775) WM C Arenaria interpres (Linnaeus,1758) WM C Erolia ferruginea (Pontoppidan,1813) WM U Laridae Thalasseus bengalensis Lesson, 1831 WM C Sternula albifrons Pallas, 1764 WM C Columbiformes Columbidae Streptopelia tranquebarica (Hermann,1804) R A Chalcophaps indica maxima Hartert, 1931 R C Treron chloropterus (Blyth, 1840) R FC Ducula aenea andamanica (Abdualali, 19 64) R FC Psittaciformes Psittacidae Loriculus vernalis (Sparrman,1787) R FC

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Psittacula eupatria magnirostris (Ball, 1872) R FC Psittacula alexandri abbotti (Oberholser, 1919) R C Cuculiformes Cuculidae Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus (Horsfield,1821) SM/R U Eudynamys scolopacea dolosus Ripley, 1946 WM FC Centropus andamanensis (Beavan,1867) R C Cuculus micropterus Gould, 1837 R FC Strigiformes Strigidae Otus sunia modestus (Walden, 1874) R U Otus balli (Hume, 1873) R FC Ninox affinis Beavan, 1867 R R Ninox obscura Hume, 1872 R C Strigiformes Tytonidae Tyto deroepstorffi (Hume, 1875) R U Caprimulgiformes Caprimulgidae Caprimulgus andamanicus Hume, 1873 R R Apodiformes Apodidae Collocalia esculenta affinis Beavan 1867 R A Hirundapus giganteus indicus (Hume, 1873) R/LM FC Àerodramus fuciphaga inexpectatus Hume, 1873 R C Coraciformes Alcedinidae Pelargopsis capensis osmastoni (Baker, 1934) R C Alcedo atthis (Linnaeus, 1758) WM U Halcyon smyrnensis saturatior Hume, 1874 R FC Todiramphus chloris davisoni Sharpe, 1892 R FC

20 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Meropidae Merops leschenaultia andamanensis Marien, 1950 R U Piciformes Picidae Dendrocopos analis andamanensis (Blyth, 1859) R FC Dryocopus hodgei (Blyth, 1860) R U Passeriformes Campephagidae Pericrocotus cinnamomeus (Linnaeus, 1776) R C Pericrocotus speciosus andamanensis Beavan, 1867 R FC Hirundinidae Hirundo rustica Linnaeus,1758 WM C Hirundo tahitica Gmelin,1789 R C Cecropis daurica Linnaeus, 1771 WM C Pycnonotidae Microtarsus fuscoflavescens (Hume, 1875) R FC Pycnonotus jocosus whistleri Deignan, 1948 R A Campephagidae Coracina macei andamanensis Whistler, 1940 R C Irenidae Irena puella andamanica Abdulali, 1964 R FC Lanidae Lanius cristatus (Linnaeus, 1758) WM C Turdinae Copsychus albiventris (Blyth, 1858) R FC Monarchinae Hypothymisazureatytleri (Beavan, 1867) R C Dicaeidae Dicaeum virescensHume, 1873 R FC Nectariniidae Cinnyris jugularis andamanicus (Hume, 1873) R FC

21 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Estrildidae Lonchurastriata fumigata (Waldeen, 1873) R C Passeridae Passer domesticus (Linnaeus,1758) R C Sturnidae Sturnia erythropygia (Blyth,1846) R A Graculareligiosa andamanensis (Beavan, 1867) R FC Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus,1766) R C Oriolidae Oriolus chinensis andamansis (Tytler, 1867) R C Dicruridae Dicrurus andamanensis Beavan, 1867 R C Dicrurus paradiseus otiosus (Richmond, 1903) R FC Artamidae Artamus leucorynchus (Linnaeus,1771) R C Corvidae Dendrocitta bayleyi Blyth, 1863 R C Corvus levaillantii Lesson, 1831 R FC

Abbreviations for all are: A-Abundance; C-Common; FC-fairy common; U-uncommon.Residential Status: R - Resident; R/LM - Resident with local movements; R/WM - Resident with winter Migrant; WM - Winter Migrant; SM - Summer migrant. Spiders

This checklist is a partial documentation of the spider fauna at the proposed site for the construction of MPOC, Hut Bay. A total of 5 species of spiders distributed among 2 families were recorded.

Class Arachnida Lamarck, 1801 Order Araneae Clerck,1757 Family ARAENIDAE Clerck,1757 Genus Cyclosa Menge, 1866 1. Cyclosas pirifera Simon, 1889 Family OXYOPODIDAE Thorell, 1870

22 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Genus Oxyopes Latreille, 1804 2. Oxyopes sitae Tikader,1970 3. Oxyopes gemellus Thorell, 1891 4. Oxyopes javanus nicobaricus Strand, 1907 5. Oxyopes longinquus Thorell, 1891

Marine Faunal Studies

Sea anemones

A single species of sea anemone,Megalactis sp. was recorded from the proposed project area.

Class ANTHOZOA Ehrenberg, 1884 Order ACTINIARIA Hertwig, 1882 Suborder ENTHEMONAE Family ACTINODENDRIDAE Haddon, 1898 Genus Megalactis Hemprich & Ehrenberg in Ehrenberg, 1834 Megalactis sp.

Soft corals

A total of14 species of soft corals distributed among 2 families and 6 genera were recorded from the proposed project site.

Class ANTHOZOA Ehrenberg, 1834 Order Lamouroux, 1812 Family ALCYONIIDAE Lamouroux, 1812 Genus Sinularia May, 1898 Sinularia sp. Sinularia densa (Whitelegge, 1897) Sinularia flexibilis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833 Genus Sarcophyton Lesson, 1834

23 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Sarcophyton sp. Sarcophyton trocheliophorum von Marenzellar, 1886 Sarcophyton crassocaule Moser, 1919 Sarcophyton ehrenbergi Von Marenzellar, 1886 Sarcophyton latum (Dana, 1846) Genus Lobophytum Marenzeller, 1886 Lobophytum sp. Lobophytum pauciflorum (Ehrenberg, 1834) Lobophytum sarcophytoides Moser, 1919 Genus Cladiella Gray, 1869 Cladiella pachyclados (Kluninger, 1877) Family NEPHTHEIDAE Genus Nephthea Audouin, 1826 Nepthea sp. Genus Dendronephthya Kuekenthal, 1905 Dendronephthya sp.

Hydrozoa

A total of 10 species of hydrozoans (6 species belonging to 6 genera and 5 families were identified to the species level, 2 hydrozoans were identified to the genera level and 2 hydrozoans were identified to the family level) were recorded from the proposed project area. Species such as Pennaria disticha Golfuss, 1820 and Thyroscyphus fruticosus (Esper, 1793) were observed to be the most abundant and were observed to be growing up to lengths of 30cm. Hydrozoans are opportunistic feeders and their growth is usually indeterminate limited only by the energy input indicative of nutrient rich waters.Eudendrium sp. was encountered on just one coralline rock during the survey.

24 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Phylum CNIDARIA Class HYDROZOA Owen, 1843 Subclass HYDROIDOLINA Collins, 2000 Order ANTHOATHECATA Cornelius, 1992 Family PENNARIIDAE Goldfuss, 1820 Genus Pennaria Goldfuss, 1820 1. Pennaria disticha Goldfuss, 1820 Family Eudendriidae L. Agassiz, 1862 Genus Eudendrium Ehrenberg, 1834 2. Eudendrium sp. Family CLAVIIDAE 3. Claviid Hydrozoa Order LEPTOTHECATA Cornelius, 1992 Family HALOPTERIDIDAE Millard, 1962 Genus Halopteris Allman, 1877 4. Halopteris alternata (Nutting, 1900) Genus Antennella Allman, 1877 5. Antennella secundaria (Gmelin, 1791) Family AGLAOPHENIIDAE Marktanner- Turneretscher,6. Aglaopheniid 1890 Hydrozoa Genus Macrorhynchia Kirchenpauer, 1872 7. Macrorhynchia philippina Kirchenpauer, 1872 Genus Lytocarpia 8. Lytocarpia sp. Family SERTULARIIDAE Lamouroux, 1812 Genus Sertularella 9. Sertularella diaphana (Allman, 1885) Family Thyroscyphiidae Genus Thyroscyphus Allman, 1877 10. Thyroscyphus fruticosus (Esper, 1793)

25 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Echinodermata

A total of 8 species of echinoderms belonging to 8 genera, 4 families, 4 orders and 4 classes were identified. Among them a maximum number of 4 species belongs to class Crinoidea had the maximum of 4 species and Echinoidea was the least represented (1 species).

Phylum Echinodermata Class Crinoidea Order Comatulida Family Comatulidae Fleming, 1828 Genus Anneissia Summers, Messing & Rouse, 2014 1. Anneissia bennetti (Müller, 1841) Genus Capillaster AH Clark, 1909 2. Capillaster multiradiatus (Linnaeus, 1758) Genus Comanthus AH Clark, 1908 3. Comanthus sp. Genus Comaster L. Agassiz, 1836 4. Comaster schlegelii (Carpenter, 1881) Class Asteroidea Order Valvatida Family Ophidiasteridae Verrill, 1870 Genus Linckia nardo, 1834 5. Linckia laevigata (Linnaeus, 1758) Class Ophiuroidea Order Ophiacanthida Family Ophiocomidae Ljungman, 1867 Genus Ophiocoma L. Agassiz, 1836 6. Ophiocoma erinaceus Müller & Troschel, 1842 Genus OphiomastixMüller & Troschel, 1842 7. Ophiomastix annulosa (Lamarck, 1816) Class Echinoidea Order Camarodonta Family EchinometridaeGray, 1855 GenusEchinostrephusA. Agassiz, 1863 8. Echinostrephus molaris (Blainville, 1825)

26 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Ichthyofauna

A total of 128 fishes distributed among 30 families and 69 genera have been recorded from the proposed project site and adjoining area.

Class CHONDRICHTHYES

Order RAJIFORMES Berg, 1940

Family Dasyatidae Jordon 1988

Genus Neotrygon Castelnau, 1873

1. Neotrygon kuhlii (Muller and Henle, 1841) Class OSTEICHTHYES Order BERYCIFORMES Regan, 1909 Family Holocentridae J. Richardson, 1846 Genus Myripristis Cuvier, 1829 2. Myripristis berndti Jordan and Evermann, 1903 Genus Sargocentron Fowler, 1904 3. Sargocentron rubrum (Forsskal, 1775) Order AULOPIFORMES Rosen, 1973 Family Synodontidae Gill, 1862 Genus Synodus Scopoli, 1777 4. Synodus variegatus (Lacepede,1803) 5. Synodus dermatogenys Fowler, 1912 Order SYNGANATHIFORMES Family Syngnathidae Rafinesque, 1810 Genus Corythoichthys Kaup, 1853 6. Corythoichthys ocellatus Herald, 1953 7. Corythoichthys schultzi Harald, 1953 Order SCORPAENIFORMES Greenwood et al., 1966 Family Scorpaenidae Risso, 1826 Genus Pterois Oken, 1817 8. Pterois radiata Cuvier,1829 Order PERCIFORMES Bleeker, 1859

27 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Family Serranidae Innamura and Yabe, 2002 Genus Anyperodon Guenther, 1859 9. Anyperodon leucogrammicus (Valenciennes,1828) Genus Cephalopholis Bloch and Schneider, 1801 10. Cephalopholis argus Bloch and Schneider,1801) 11. Cephalopholis miniata (Forsskal,1775) Genus Epinephelus Bloch, 1793 12. Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus (Bloch,1790) 13. Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskal,1775) 14. Epinephelus merra Bloch,1793 Genus Pseudanthias Bleeker, 1871 15. Pseudanthias squamipinnis (Peters, 1855) Genus Variola Swainson, 1839 16. Variola louti (Forsskal,1775) 17. Variola albimarginata Baissac, 1953 Family Apogonidae Günther, 1859 Genus Apogon Lacepède, 1801 18. Apogon cyanosoma Bleeker,1853 19. Apogon moluccensis Valenciennes, 1832 20. Apogon properupta (Whitley, 1964) Family Haemulidae Gill, 1885 Genus Plectorhinchus Lacépède, 1801 21. Plectorhinchus albovittatus (Ruppell, 1838) 22. Plectorhinchus orientalis (Bloch,1793) Family Lutjanidae Gill, 1861 Genus Lutjanus Bloch, 1790 23. Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal,1775) 24. Lutjanus gibbus (Forsskal,1775) 25. Lutjanus kasmira (Forsskal,1775) 26. Lutjanus monostigma (Cuvier,1828) 27. Lutjanus russelli (Bleeker,1849)

28 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Family Caesionidae Bonaparte, 1831 Genus Caesio Lacepède, 1801 28. Caesio teres Seale,1906 29. Caesio xanthonota (Bleeker,1853) Genus Pterocaesio Bleeker, 1876 30. Pterocaesio chrysozona (Cuvier,1830) 31. Pterocaesio tile (Cuvier,1830) Family Lethrinidae Bonaparte, 1831 Genus Gnathodentex Bleeker, 1873 32. Gnathodentex aurolinaetus Lacepede,1802) Genus Lethrinus Cuvier, 1829 33. Lethrinus harak (Forsskal,1775) Genus Monotaxis Anonymous [Bennett], 1830 34. Monotaxis grandoculis (Forsskal,1775) Family Nemipteridae Genus Scolopsis Cuvier, 1814 35. Scolopsis bilineata (Bloch,1793) 36. Scolopsis frenatus (Cuvier, 1830) 37. Scolopsis ciliata (Cuvier, 1830) Family Kyphosidae Gill, 1893 Genus Kyphosus Lacépède, 1801 38. Kyphosus cinerascens (Forsskal,1775) Family Ephippidae Bleeker, 1859 Genus Platax Cuvier, 1816 39. Platax orbicularius (Forsskal,1775) 40. Platax pinnatus (Linnaeus,1758) Family Mullidae Rafinesque, 1815 Genus Parupeneus Bleeker 1863 41. Parupeneus bifasciatus (Lacepede,1801) 42. Parupeneus indicus (Shaw,1803) Genus Upeneus Cuvier, 1829

29 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

43. Upeneus tragula Richardson,1846 Family Pomacanthidae Jordan & Evermann, 1898 Genus Centropyge Kaup, 1860 44. Centropyge eibli Klausewitz,1963 45. Centropyge multispinis (Playfair, 1867) Genus Pomacanthus Lacépède, 1802 46. Pomacanthus annularis (Bloch,1787) 47. Pomacanthus imperator (Bloch,1787) Genus Pygoplites Fraser-Brunner, 1933 48. Pygoplites diacanthus (Boddaert,1772) Family Chaetodontidae Rafinesque, 1810 Genus Chaetodon Linnaeus, 1758 49. Chaetodon auriga Forsskal,1775 50. Chaetodon collare Bloch,1787 51. Chaetodon decussatus Cuvier,1829 52. Chaetodon falcula Bloch,1793 53. Chaetodon lunula (Lacepede,1802) 54. Chaetodon meyeri Bloch andSchneider,1801 55. Chaetodon rafflesii Bennett,1830 56. Chaetodon trifasciatus Park,1797 57. Chaetodon vagabundus Linnaeus,1758 Genus Heniochus Cuvier, 1816 58. Heniochus acuminatus (Linnaeus,1758) 59. Heniochus diphreutes Jordan,1903 60. Heniochus singularius Smith and Radcliffe,1911 Family Carangidae Rafinesque, 1815 Genus Caranx Lacépède, 1801 61. Caranx sexfasciatus Quoy and Gaimard,1825 Genus Cirrhitichthys Bleeker, 1857 62. Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Bleeker, 1855) 63. Cirrhitichthys falco Randall, 1963

30 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Family Pempheridae Genus Pempheris Cuvier, 1829 64. Pempheris vanicolensis Cuvier,1831 Family Bonaparte, 1831 Genus Abudefduf Forsskål, 1775 65. Abudefduf saxatilis (Linnaeus,1758) 66. Abudefduf vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard,1825) Genus Bleeker, 1877 67. Amblyglyphidodon aureus (Cuvier,1830) 68. Amblyglyphidodon indicus Allen and Randall, 2002 Genus Amphiprion Bloch and Schneider, 1801 69. Amphiprion akallopisos Bleeker, 1853. 70. Amphiprion ephippium (Bloch,1790) 71. Amphiprion percula (Lacpede,1802) Genus Chromis Cuvier, 1814 72. Chromis flavicauda (Gunther, 1880) 73. Chromis viridis (Cuvier,1830) Genus Chrysiptera Swainson, 1839 74. Chrysiptera browniriggi (Bennett, 1828) 75. Chrysiptera glauca (Cuvier,1830) 76. Chrysiptera talboti (Allen, 1975) 77. Chrysiptera unimaculata (Cuvier,1830) Genus Dascyllus Cuvier, 1829 78. Dascyllus carneus Fischer,1885 79. Dascyllus trimaculatus (Ruppell,1829) Genus Dischistodus Gill, 1863 80. Dischistodus perspicillatus (Cuvier,1830) Genus Pomacentrus Lacépède, 1802 81. Pomacentrus chrysurus Cuvier, 1830 82. Pomacentrus moluccensis Bleeker,1853 Family Labridae Cuvier, 1816

31 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Genus Bodianus Bloch, 1790 83. Bodianus mesothorax (Bloch and Schneider,1801) Genus Coris Lacépède, 1801 84. Coris aurilineata Randall and Kuiter, 1982 85. Coris batuensis (Bleeker, 1857) Genus Epibulus Cuvier, 1815 86. Epibulus insidiator (Pallas,1770) Genus Gomphosus Lacépède, 1801 87. Gomphosus caeruleus Lacepede,1801 Genus Halichoeres Rüppell, 1835 88. Halichoeres melanurus (Bleeker,1851) 89. Halichoeres vroliki (Bleeker, 1855) 90. Halichoeres hortulans (Lacépède, 1801) Genus Hemigymnus Lacépède, 1801 91. Hemigymnus fasciatus (Bloch,1792) 92. Hemigymnus melapterus (Bloch,1791) Genus Labroides Bleeker, 1851 93. Labroides bicolour Fowler and Bean,1928 94. Labroides dimidiatus (Valenciennes,1839) Genus Thalassoma Swainson, 1839 95. Thalassoma hardwicke (Bennett,1830) 96. Thalassoma lunare (Linnaeus,1758) Family Scaridae Rafinesque, 1810 Genus Bolbomatopon Smith, 1956 97. Bolbomatopon muricatum Valenciennes,1840 Genus Cetoscarus Smith, 1956 98. Cetoscarus bicolour (Ruppell,1829) Genus Chlorurus Swainson, 1839 99. Chlorurus sordidus (Forsskal,1775) Genus Scarus Forsskål, 1775 100. Scarus ghobban Forsskal,1775

32 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

101. Scarus globiceps Valenciennes,1840 102. Scarus niger Forsskal,1775 Family Pinguipedidae Günther, 1860 Genus Parapercis Bleeker, 1863 103. Parapercis clathrata (Ogilby,1911) 104. Parapercis millepunctata (Gunther, 1860) 105. Parapercis hexophtalma (Cuvier, 1829) Family Bleniidae Rafinesque, 1810 Genus Aspidontus Cuvier, 1834 106. Aspidontus taeniatustaeniatus (Quoy and Gaimard,1834) Genus Ecsenius McCulloch, 1923 107. Ecsenius lineatus Klausewitz,1962 Genus Meiacanthus Norman, 1944 108. Meiacanthus smithi Klausewitz,1962 Genus Plagiotremus Gill, 1865 109. Plagiotremus phenax Smith-Vaniz, 1976 110. Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos (Bleeker,1852) Family Tripterygiidae Whitley, 1931 Genus Helcogramma McCulloch & Waite, 1918 111. Helcogramma striatum Hansen, 1986 Family Gobiidae Cuvier, 1816 Genus Amblygobius Bleeker, 1874 112. Amblygobius nocturnes (Herre, 1945) 113. Amblygobius semicinctus (Bennett, 1833) Family Acanthuridae Bonaparte, 1832 Genus Acanthurus Forsskål, 1775 114. Acanthurus leucosternon Bennett,1833 115. Acanthurus nigricauda Dunker and Mohr,1929 116. Acanthurus linneatus (Linneaus, 1758) Genus Ctenochaetus Gill, 1884 117. Ctenochaetus striatus (Quoy and Gaimard,1825)

33 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

Genus Naso Lacépède, 1801 118. Naso brevirostris (Valenciennes,1835) Genus Zebrasoma Swainson, 1839 119. Zebrasoma scopas (Cuvier,1835) Family Siganidae Richardson, 1837 Genus Siganus Forsskål, 1775 120. Siganus guttatus (Bloch,1787) 121. Siganus javus (Linnaeus,1766) 122. Siganus virgatus (Valenciennes,1835) 123. Siganus luridus (Rupell, 1829) Order TETRADONTIFORMES Berg, 1940 Family Balistidae Risso, 1810 Genus Balistapus Tilesius, 1820 124. Balistapus undulates (Park,1797) Genus Melichthys Swainson, 1839 125. Melichthys indicus Randall and Klausewitz,1973 Genus Odonus Gistel, 1848 126. Odonus niger (Ruppell,1836) Genus Sufflamen Jordan, 1916 127. Sufflamen chrysopterus (Bloch and Schneider,1801) Family Tertraodontidae Bonaparte, 1832 Genus Arothron Müller, 1841 128. Arothron nigropunctatus (Bloch and Schneider,1801)

34 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

10. SIGNIFICANT OBSERVATIONS

The following significant observations were made during the REIA surveys at the proposed construction of MPOC, Hut Bay:

1. There are no national parks/sanctuaries/biosphere reserves or reserved forest in the proposed area.

2. There are no coral reefs at the proposed project adjoining areas

3. There is no mangrove at proposed area.

4. There is no turtle-nesting site at vicinity of the project site.

5. No migratory birds could be noticed in the project area during the surveys.

6. No endangered species could be found in the proposed project site during the surveys.

7. There were no nesting/breeding grounds for endemic of migratory birds in and around the proposed project area.

8. No critical habitats could be found in the proposed area.

35 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

11. PREDICTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The likelihood environmental impacts of the proposed project area at Little Andaman have been predicted for the operational phases based on the assessment of present survey/study and are given below.

1. Gaseous emissions from the vehicles and machineries used for the construction will generate a considerable amount of air and noise pollution.

2. Apart from gaseous emissions, it is expected that there is a high possibility for dust generation while transporting the construction material by trucks which may have an impact on the quality of air. However, this can be minimized by covering the material while transportation.

3. During the construction phase, leveling of the project sitemay alter the flow pattern of rain water/streams which may leads to land erosion. However, this will be of short-term impact and reversible, and the flow pattern could be regulated by constructing suitable barriers.

4. Considerable diversity of organisms such as butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and birds were reported in the vicinity of proposed project site. However, the proposed project may not have direct impact on the habitats of these faunal communities as they are adapted to habitat dislocation.

5. The proposed project would not have any impact on the coral reefs as well marine faunal communities.

36 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

12. ENVISAGED BENEFIT OF THE PROJECT

o Enhanced coastal and maritime security in the territorial waters of Hut Bay.

o Enhanced survelliance and patrolling in Little Andaman

37 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

13. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following management plans are suggested to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts predicted and identified as a result of the proposed project.

Operational Phase

1. Vehicles used for the transportation of the construction material should be adhered with the emission norms prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board. Tarpaulin sheets shall be used while transportation in order to minimize the pollution.

2. Temporary shelters/camps for labourers should be kept away from the forest area in order to avoid anthropogenic source of pollution in to terrestrial environments.

3. Littering of non-degradable polythene and plastic materials shall be completely avoided in the environment.

4. Solid wastes generated through the operational activities should be cleared on daily basis in order to maintain the pristine environment.

5. Rainwater flow pattern should be regulated by construction of suitable barriers to prevent land erosion.

6. Proper sanitary facilities and dustbins shall be provided for the labourers during the construction of MPOC.

7. Constructionworks should be avoided during night hours as the light and illumination in the forest attract several insects including moths and beetles which leads to mortality of these organisms.

38 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

14. RECOMMENDATIONS

On the thorough scrutiny of the project facilities, baseline data collected on biological parameters in the proposed project and its adjoining areas, and also, positively considering the envisaged benefits of the proposed project for the establishment of MPOC at Hut Bayis RECOMMENDEDfor environmental/forest clearance in view of the following reasons.

1. The proposed project site is the only suitable place for the construction MPOC, Hut Bay. 2. No Protected Area is located in the proposed project area. 3. No coral reefs exist in the vicinity of proposed project site. 4. The significant nesting/breeding grounds and roosting ground for the endemic or migratory birds are not reportedfromthe proposed project site. 5. The proposed site does not fall under the migratory route of the birds. 6. No endangered and endemic faunal communities such as Andaman Wild Pig and Swiftlet were distributed in the vicinity of proposed project area. 7. No mangrove patches found near the proposed project site. 8. The proposed project site does not fall under any tribal reserve of Andaman. 9. The assessment of the present study revealed out the environmental impact through the proposed project will be negligible. 10. The suggested environmental management plans may be strictly followed. 11. Since the land for proposed constructionMPOCbelongs to Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the question of land acquisition does not arise. 12. It is suggested that second year of operational phase of the project, data on the status of faunal and floral communities may be collected which will be helpful to assess the impact of the project on ecology of the area.

39 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

15. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Wegratefully acknowledge:

o The Director, Zoological Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India, Kolkata for providing necessary facilities to Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair to undertake the study.

o The Principal Secretary cum PCCF and PCCF (WL), Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Administration for extending logistic support to conduct the survey.

o The Divisional Forest Officer,Hut Bay for providing logistic support and valuable discussions pertaining to REIA study.

o The Deputy Superindentent of police (PMF), Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands for providing details of the project.

40 Construction of Marine Police Operational Centre at Hut Bay, Little Andaman

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17. SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL INVOLVED FOR THE STUDY

COORDINATOR Dr. Kailash Chandra Director Zoological Survey of India Prani Vigyan Bhawan M-Block, New Alipore Kolkata- 700 053

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Dr. C. Sivaperuman Officer-in-Charge Zoological Survey of India Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre Port Blair-744 102

Members 1. G. Gokulakrishnan, Research Associate 2. M.P. Goutham Bharathi, Research Associate 3. Seepana Rajendra, Senior Research Fellow 4. Preeti Pereira, Senior Research Fellow 5. Naveen Kumar Nigam, Senior Research Fellow 6. Oishinee Chakraborty, Senior Research Fellow 7. Minakshi Dash, Junior Research Fellow 8. Apurba Kumar Das, Junior Research Fellow 9. Sumit Kumar Rao, Junior Research Fellow 10. Sant Kumar, PhD Research Scholar 11. Arnab Dutta, MTS

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